Serial purse thief caught on camera

St. Petersburg, Florida - A man police believe is behind at least six purse thefts at Bayfront Medical Center and surrounding medical facilities won't be able to hide for much longer.

A surveillance camera at Bayfront caught him in the act on Tuesday and now police are hoping someone will recognize him.

The video shows the man, dressed in scrubs, carrying what's believed to be a purse wrapped in a hospital blanket.

"It's not unusual to see someone in scrubs walking with a blanket tucked under his arm, nobody would pay attention," said St. Petersburg Police spokesman, George Kajtsa.

Police say the suspected purse thief not only hit Bayfront Medical Center, he also hit All Children's Hospital and a nearby maternity clinic.

"You definitely feel violated," victim Danielle Travillian told 10 Connects.

She was working at All Children's Hospital on October 4 and when she discovered her purse missing.

"I shouldn't have left it out, but I've been doing that for two and a half years and never had a problem with it," she said.

Her purse was in an area where only employees are allowed, raising her suspicions as to who the suspect may be.

"Unless you know your way around the hospital or you've been back there, you don't know it's back there," Travillian explained.

Kajtsa tells 10 Connects the man at least knew how to get into Bayfront's secured areas.

He explained, "Apparently this suspect had some access codes to the restricted areas at Bayfront Medical Center and that's how he was able to get to this property."

Police think he first hit Bayfront Medical Center on August 21 and didn't strike back until October when five more victims discovered their purses missing over a 10 day period.

"We ask people to look closely at the video in hopes that somebody will recognize him and call us," said Kajtsa.

The suspect is described as a black male, 40-45 years old, 6'0", 200-220 pounds with a medium complexion, and gray goatee. He is seen in the video wearing silver sunglasses, a sleeveless vest over a tan shirt and dark pants. He was also wearing a large, round wrist watch on his left wrist.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 727-893-778 or call the anonymous tipline at 727-892-5000.